BBC Countryfile visit Brownsover Community School

The pupils and staff at Brownsover Community School were joined by film crews from the BBC in December, when they spent the day recording for a special feature for Countryfile, a programme covering rural, agricultural and environmental issues in the UK. 

Regular presenter on the programme, Tom Heap, spent the day seeing first-hand how the collaborative efforts of all of the staff, pupils and local community have positively impacted on the curriculum and contributed to the development of a forward looking food culture in the school. He had the chance to help prepare and serve the school dinners, meet the pupils and talk with teaching and kitchen staff about how the school have embraced the 'farm-to-fork' philosophy.

The school were keen to share how they have achieved the Gold 'Food for Life' school award, which recognises settings that go the extra mile to promote healthy food behaviours throughout the whole ethos of the school. To achieve this highest award schools should demonstrate that:

• They act as hubs for their local community, actively involving parents and community groups in cooking and growing activities
• They serve food that is healthy, ethical, made largely from local ingredients and a minimum of 15% organic and 5% free range 
• Pupils choose to eat a school meal as the norm
• They are actively involved in the life of a local farm and active in planning and growing organic food for the school.

Headteacher, Elisa Basnett, said:

At Brownsover, we pride ourselves in developing the whole child, and the key skills addressed throughout our Food For Life program ensure that healthy eating and lifestyles are actively promoted and supported for all children. The children really enjoyed the filming experience! They take great pride in sharing our achievements with visitors and especially enjoy cooking with their friends and parents.

The program is due to air on Sunday 19 January so don't forget to tune in!